Addisons disease and kidney failure

by Belinda Smith
(Sydney NSW Australia)

My cat, Felix (8 yr old) has been diagnosed with Addison's disease and kidney failure. I would like to know what I can feed him. I've tried both renal brands (Hills k/d & Royal Canin) but he isn't happy! Can I cook for him? Have I taken away his only pleasure in life? What is his estimated life span?


Dear Belinda,

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty's health difficulties. As far as estimated life span, no one can tell you for certain, and I least of all can estimate without seeing your kitty in person. Also, Addison's Disease is so rare in cats, there is very little data to go on.

As far as feeding, I just heard yesterday, actually, that Iams has brought back their kidney diet. In my experience, cats generally find Iams/Eukanuba very palatable. I would recommend asking your veterinarian if he/she can get this cat diet for you to try as well.

You absolutely could cook for your cat, though, and in fact, it may be healthier for your cat overall. Just make sure to follow very specific cat diet recipes, complete with the proper vitamins and minerals that cats need in their diet. Cooking "people food" for cats without meeting their very specific nutritional requirements can create serious cat health conditions.

You may really enjoy and find even more useful information about cat diets on Dr. Pierson's CatInfo.org site.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely